Koi Salt Treatment Dose: Exact Concentrations and Calculations

By KoiQuanta Editorial Team|Updated Mar 2026

The direct answer: Standard quarantine maintenance dose is 0.3% salinity - 2.5 lbs of non-iodized salt per 100 gallons of water. For active parasite treatment, use 0.5% - 4.2 lbs per 100 gallons. Always build up slowly over 48-72 hours.

TL;DR

For active parasite treatment, use 0.5% - 4.2 lbs per 100 gallons.
Example: 300-gallon tank at 0.3% (7.5 lbs total salt).
That's 25% × 7.5 lbs = 1.9 lbs of salt removed.
Add 1.9 lbs dissolved in a bucket to maintain concentration.
For standard quarantine: 0.3% (2.5 lbs non-iodized salt per 100 gallons).
For active parasite treatment: 0.5% (4.2 lbs per 100 gallons).
Build up over 2-3 days - don't add the full dose at once.

Salt Dose Reference Table

|---------|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|-----|

| 0.1% | 0.8 lbs | 2.5 lbs | 4.2 lbs | Acclimation, minimal stress relief |

| 0.2% | 1.7 lbs | 5.0 lbs | 8.3 lbs | Moderate osmotic support |

| 0.3% | 2.5 lbs | 7.5 lbs | 12.5 lbs | Standard quarantine maintenance |

| 0.5% | 4.2 lbs | 12.5 lbs | 21 lbs | Active parasite treatment |

| 3.0% | 25 lbs | 75 lbs | 125 lbs | Short dip only (3-5 minutes) |

How to Build Concentration Safely

Never add the full dose at once. Rapid osmotic change stresses koi even when the target concentration is appropriate.

For 0.3% target - 3-day build:

Day 1: Add 1/3 of total dose (bring to 0.1%)
Day 2: Add 1/3 of total dose (bring to 0.2%)
Day 3: Add final 1/3 (reach 0.3%)

Dissolve each portion in a bucket of tank water before adding. Don't pour granular salt directly on fish.

Replacing Salt After Water Changes

Water changes dilute salt. Calculate and replace the amount removed.

Example: 300-gallon tank at 0.3% (7.5 lbs total salt). 25% water change removes 75 gallons. That's 25% × 7.5 lbs = 1.9 lbs of salt removed. Add 1.9 lbs dissolved in a bucket to maintain concentration.

What Salt Works For

Osmotic stress relief (fish with compromised skin or gill damage)
Trichodina and Costia (protozoan parasites)
Reducing bacterial secondary infection risk on wounds
Post-show prophylaxis

What Salt Doesn't Treat

Flukes (need praziquantel)
KHV (no treatment exists)
Ich in isolation (needs heat or medication)
Anchor worm or lice (need targeted treatments)
Bacterial infections (need antibiotics)

FAQ

What is the correct koi salt treatment dose?

For standard quarantine: 0.3% (2.5 lbs non-iodized salt per 100 gallons). For active parasite treatment: 0.5% (4.2 lbs per 100 gallons). Build up over 2-3 days - don't add the full dose at once. Use non-iodized salt only.

Can I use table salt for koi treatment?

No. Table salt contains iodine and anti-caking agents that are harmful to koi and filter bacteria. Use non-iodized rock salt, kosher salt, or pool-grade sodium chloride without additives. Pool salt (sodium chloride, no other additives) sold in 40 lb bags is a cost-effective choice for larger operations.

How long do I keep salt in the quarantine tank?

Maintain salt at 0.3% for the full quarantine period - typically 21-42 days. When quarantine ends and you're ready to move fish to a display pond without salt, reduce concentration gradually over 1-2 weeks through water changes rather than stopping abruptly.

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Sources

Associated Koi Clubs of America (AKCA)
Koi Organisation International (KOI)
University of Florida IFAS Extension Aquaculture Program
Fish Vet Group
Water Quality Association